Former Maharashtra chief minister Manohar Joshi passed away early Friday morning at the age of 86 due to age-related health complications, as confirmed by Joy Chakravarty, the chief operating officer of P D Hinduja Hospital.
According to his son Unmesh, Joshi had been admitted to the ICU and was under observation before his passing. He had experienced cardiac trouble on Wednesday and had been grappling with prolonged age-related health issues. The family plans to conduct his last rites at the Shivaji Park crematorium, with his mortal remains to be brought to their residence in Matunga beforehand.
Joshi’s health had been delicate since May 2023, when he suffered a brain hemorrhage, leading to his admission to the ICU at Hinduja Hospital. Despite efforts, his condition remained semi-conscious for several days, prompting doctors to advise care at his Shivaji Park home.
On his 86th birthday on December 2, Joshi was brought to his office in Dadar, where supporters celebrated the occasion. Born on December 2, 1937, in Mahad, Maharashtra, Joshi earned his Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from Veermata Jijabai Technological Institute (VJTI) in Mumbai.
Joshi’s political journey commenced with his involvement in the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) before he became associated with the Shiv Sena. Throughout the 1980s, he emerged as a prominent leader within the party, recognized for his organizational prowess and grassroots connections. His pinnacle moment arrived in 1995 when he assumed the role of Maharashtra’s Chief Minister, succeeding Sharad Pawar of the Indian National Congress, marking Shiv Sena’s first tenure in power in the state. Additionally, he served as a Member of Parliament and held the position of Lok Sabha Speaker from 2002 to 2004 during the Vajpayee government.
Joshi was renowned for his managerial and organizational skills, navigating challenges within the Shiv Sena where personal loyalty to founder Bal Thackeray held significance. His upbringing in poverty in Nandvi village of Raigad district instilled in him a strong sense of determination, reflected in his academic pursuits and later political endeavors. Joining Shiv Sena in 1966, Joshi played a pivotal role alongside Bal Thackeray in expanding the party’s influence across Maharashtra. His establishment of the Kohinoor Technical Institute, focusing on skill development, earned him the affectionate title of “Sir” among students and staff.
His contribution to the Shiv Sena’s advocacy for job opportunities for Marathi-speaking individuals was significant, with his institute playing a pivotal role in skill development. Joshi’s transition to state politics in the 1980s saw him hold various positions, including mayor and standing committee chairperson, before ascending to the role of Chief Minister in 1995.
His tenure as Chief Minister was marked by a strong focus on Mumbai’s development issues, including the implementation of the slum rehabilitation scheme, conceived by Bal Thackeray. His alliance with the BJP, facilitated by his understanding with Pramod Mahajan, played a crucial role in Maharashtra’s governance, with his leadership lauded for resolving disputes and fostering cooperation between the two parties.